That said, the enshrinement of one of those players – Terrell Davis – should be the best thing that ever happened to the case for one of the most dominant, but way too forgotten, dominant wide receivers of the late 1980s and early 1990s: one Sterling Sharpe.

I’ve seen his name come up a couple times in the comments section of our Hall posts. And I think it’s rightfully so. Here’s why:

A few years ago, we did a post looking at the then-stalled candidacies of Tim Brown, Cris Carter and Andre Reed. All three appeared deserving of consideration for the Hall, but their resumes seemed to be canceling each other out.

Now, they all eventually got in. And each of them warranted enshrinement. But in studying that post again and comparing each of their respective cases to the numbers posted by Sharpe during his injury-shortened seven years, I think if Sharpe had stayed healthy, he’d have been the best of the group.

First off, the arc of his career started earlier than that of the Brown-Carter-Reed trio. It took Cris Carter until his seventh season in the league under Vikings coach Dennis Green to make the Pro Bowl. His first two seasons did not add up to Sharpe’s first.

Reed made the Pro Bowl for the first time after his fourth season in 1988, the first of seven in a row.

Brown did make the Pro Bowl in his first season, but that was primarily on the strength of his 1,098 kickoff return yards, not the 43 catches, 725 yards and five TDs he produced. Sharpe caught 55 passes as a rookie in 1988 and made the Pro Bowl in his second season after posting a 90-1,423-12 stat line.

Second, despite playing just seven years, he retired as the second-leading Packers receiver in team history. Think about that – this is an original franchise. And in nearly 100 seasons, only one Packers receiver – James Lofton – had more receiving yards than Sharpe. Even in the 23 years since, as the NFL has turned into a pass-heavy league and Green Bay has had stars Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers, only Donald Driver has eclipsed Sharpe’s yardage stats.

And it took Driver 12 seasons, 205 games and 1,234 targets to hit 10,137 yards, compared with the seven seasons, 112 games and 510 targets Sharpe had to get 8,134. Driver was a fine player, but forced to choose, I’d take a healthy Sharpe 100 times out of 100.

Finally, unlike Davis – or the previous poster child for short-but-Hall-deserving career numbers – Gale Sayers, Sharpe’s career was not on the downswing when he was forced from the game. His best three seasons statistically were his last three, when he put up a combined 314 catches, 3,854 yards and 42 TDs.

Davis, after compiling 1,106 carries, 103 catches and 53 scores during his 1996-1998 period of dominance, finished his career with three seasons in which he accumulated a total of 312 carries and 17 catches (he may be the modern-day poster child for RB-by-committee). Sayers’ final two campaigns consisted of four games played, 36 carries and a single catch that netted him -6 yards.

This isn’t a knock on Davis or Sayers. I definitely think Sayers belongs in Canton – he had five first-team AP All Pro awards in his first five seasons with the Bears before injuries derailed his career and he went to four Pro Bowls too. And while Davis’ period of dominance was shorter, he did carry a team to the Super Bowl twice during his run.

But Sharpe’s shortened career and his period of dominance were both longer than those of Sayers or Davis. He put up five Pro Bowls and three first-team AP All Pro awards in seven seasons. That three AP awards is more than Carter, Reed and Brown achieved COMBINED! And I would argue that he could, or even should, have gotten a fourth, with his 94-catch, 18-touchdown season in 1994. That 18 TD season was, at the time, second all-time, behind just Jerry Rice’s 22 TDs in 1987.

But the AP folks that season picked Jerry Rice (112-1,499-13) and Cris Carter (122-1,256-7) for the first team and Terance Mathis (111-1,342-11) and Irving Fryar (73-1,270-7) for the second team. So, it goes.

Nonetheless, pro-rate the numbers for Sharpe’s final three seasons out another four or five years – which still would mean Sharpe played significantly fewer years than did Brown, Reed and Carter – and Sharpe’s numbers would quickly close in on and eclipse those put up by that trio.

How did Sharpe compare with the best of all time, Jerry Rice? Compare the first seven years of Rice’s career with Sharpe’s seven seasons and the Packer great actually wins in total catches (595-526). Rice wins in yards (9,072-8,134) and TDs (93-65).

Compare them during the same seven years in which Sharpe played, and Rice wins (620-9,700-91 to 595-8,134-65), but one has to keep in mind that A) Rice was in his prime at that point and B) Rice was catching passes from Joe Montana and Steve Young during that time. Sharpe played with early gunslinging Brett Favre and the Majik Man, Don Majkowski. Both were solid at points, but Majkowski’s career arc was a quick one and Favre was just starting to really improve as Sharpe’s career ended.

Playoffs? Sharpe didn’t get a lot of opportunity in the postseason. The Packers were just starting to turn around two decades of futility when he got there. But he did get two games during the 1993 mini-playoff run, and he nearly single-handedly beat Detroit in the wild card round, posting a 5-101-3 stat line in a 28-24 win.

So, in conclusion, it’s true that Sharpe doesn’t have the Super Bowl cred that Terrell Davis does. But he had a longer stretch of dominance and was still on his way up when the neck injury ended his career. He clearly played a significant role in reviving the long-dormant Packers organization. He posted individual awards that outpaced three long-time greats who recently received their day in Canton. And when he was on the big stage he produced, arguably, he picked up his game even more.

How has this guy not even gotten into the Hall of Fame discussion? Give him his due. He deserves a bust in Canton.

About The Author

Andy is co-founder and Managing Editor of Zoneblitz.com, with over 20 years of journalistic experience, and closer to 40 years of fanatical football fandom, which includes recording--and re-watching (but not re-broadcasting without consent of the National Football League) Super Bowl XVI at least 100 times until the VHS tape wore out.
He's also usually the one manning the @Zoneblitzcom twitter account, so you can harass him directly there, if you'd like.

98 Comments

As long as there are all decade team members, including other WRs, still on the ballot and not yet elected, I would not support Sterling Sharpe, especially if he ends up in the seniors pool.

packefan4ver
on March 14, 2017 at 5:37 pm

I feel Sterling Sharpe should be inducted into Canton. This more than being a Packer Fan since 1987 of why I am saying this.

I am saying that because Sterling was better than Michael Irvin. While Michael play longer than Sterling, Michael only played 16 games 7 times with the first time being in Michael’s 4th season in the league.

I know the Cowboys offense affected Michael’s numbers, but the Cowboys from 1990 to 1995 had enough weapons to free Michael up from Double teams to a point. Also Sterling’s numbers in 1990 was affected by bad offensive line play in 1990 and Don having a season ending injury due to Tony Mandarich’s missed block. Sterling’s number were below 1989’s due to bad offensive line and bad Quarterback play.

Those Cowboy teams besides having a great offensive line and Emmitt Smith, they had 2 big keys in the passing game. The had a deep threat in Alvin Harper and he did keep the defense honest. Jay Novacek was one of the best pass catching tight ends in his era.

Sterling in the otherhand didn’t have a Wide Receiver as a deep threat. While Green Bay had Mark Clayton in 1993, he was past his prime. The Packers had Perry Kemp from 1988 to 1991, but he didn’t exactly spread the field. Green Bay depended on running backs catching short passes.

Green Bay only had a true passing catching Tight End for 2 out of Sterling’s 7 seasons. I am not counting Mark Chmura because he wasn’t a threat before 1995. Jackie Harris actually was a good receiving threat as a Tight End as a Packer before his seasoning ending injury in 1993. Jackie was a 2nd time all pro in 1992 as a tight end. Green Bay had nobody else as a pass catching tight end outside of Jackie Harris. While Ed West did catch passes, he was more in the class blocking type of a tight end.

I am going much into running backs and offensive line here since I might later mentioned in how Tom Braatz affected Sterling Sharpe’s from the drafts he did as Packer GM from 1987 to 1991.

Packerfan4ver
on April 10, 2017 at 9:55 pm

The fact is Green Bay could’ve started a dynasty before Ron took the GM spot and Sterling could’ve had a legit shot for one or two rings before 1994.

The start of the problem of the Packers only making 2 playoff games in his careers dates back to What Tom Braatz did with the first round pick of the 1987. Green Bay had 3 big need needs with it being starting Cornerback to replace the career ending neck injury to Tim Lewis during the 1986 season, needing a franchise running back and Wide Receiver since they traded James Lofton.

Green Bay in 1987 with the 4th pick of the draft gambled on Brent Fullwood being a franchise running back, but None of the 7 running backs taken in the first round should’ve been first round picks. Bo Jackson and Christian Okoye were the top 2 backs from that draft. The fact is Christian wasn’t worthy being a number 4th pick of the 1987 draft and Bo Jackson is someone that you can’t draft that high due him not playing 16 games a season due to playing baseball. The other thing is Bo Jackson would’ve played in Tampa Bay or the CFL in 1986 since he was the first round pick in that draft. Green Bay after the 1987 draft screw up in at the Running back position in 1988,1989,1990, and 1991 drafts. Those drafts had Thurman Thomas, Barry Sanders, Rodney Hampton and Ricky Watters.

Based on this information, Green Bay should’ve took Rod Woodson in 1987. Rod was a great Cornerback for the first part of his career besides being very good returner. He would’ve prevented Green bay from taking so many Cornerbacks in the early 1990’s. The best way to look at the secondary is picture having Leroy butler, Chuck Cecil, and Rod Woodson in the secondary back in 1992. That would’ve been a very good secondary.

While Sterling Sharpe was a great pick in 1988 in the first round, the 2nd round pick of Shawn Patterson was a big mistake. Shawn had promising rookie year with 5 sacks, but he blew out both knees in his career. Green Bay had a chance to get Thurman Thomas. The other thing this does is prevent the pick of Keith Woodside. Keith wasn’t a great running, terrible returner, but had good hands out of the backfield.

Thurman wasn’t going to be flashy back like Barry Sanders, but he would’ve been used better by Lindy Infante and if Lindy was going to be fired before the 1992 season, Thurman would’ve been a great west coast offense back. Thurman was your classic all down back. Sterling and Thurman on the same team would’ve been dangerous offensively and the defense on their toes. I don’t think Thurman would’ve added prevented Green Bay from a losing record in 1988 due to Green Bay Losing 3 games by 3 points or less 3 times with them missing multiple field goals in each game and Green Bay went through 4 kickers. I do think the Offense would’ve been more explosive in 1988 though due Brent Fullwood missing 2 games. I Also think Lindy wouldn’t be doing a running back by committee either that year. This might have been 4-12 to 5-11 team. That means They would be drafted in the top 10 in 1989.

At sometime point, I’ll continue to this by doing 1989 to 1991.

Boknows34
on April 11, 2017 at 2:08 am

The 1989 draft is the ultimate “what if” for the Packers. Adding Barry Sanders to an offense with Sharpe not only would’ve been fun to watch but also prevents them from facing Barry twice a year on a divisional rival for the next decade. Then again the Lions would probably end up with Derrick Thomas or Deion instead.

Now if they had drafted Thurman Thomas in 1988 and still ended up taking Deion or DT with a Top 5 pick then that would’ve been incredible. If I remember from the 1989 draft, picks 6-10 were pretty ordinary which only further highlighted the tremendous success of the four HOFers taken in the Top 5.

What I remember from 1990 is Dallas trading up immediately ahead of Green Bay to select Emmitt Smith with the 17th overall pick. The Packers, with the 18th and 19th selections took LB Tony Bennett and RB Darrell Thompson. So that’s three missed opportunities from 1988-90 to select a future HOF running back. Two of them, Barry and Emmitt, would be a massive thorn in the side for the next decade against the Packers.

Rod Woodson, Sterling Sharpe, Derrick Thomas and Emmitt Smith would’ve been a realistic scenario considering Green Bay’s draft position from 87-90. We just need to take Brett Favre in the 1st Rd of the 1991 draft instead of trading for him a year later …. and still persuade Reggie White to sign in free agency. Bingo!! Now there’s a dynasty. :-)

packerfan4ver
on April 21, 2017 at 6:22 pm

What happened with the first round the 1989 draft did affect Don Majkowski’s health.

Tony Mandarich was the player who missed his block on Freddie Joe Nunn and Don tore his rotator cuff. I remembered Don’s arm strength wasn’t the same in 1991. I am convinced that If Don didn’t had that injury in 1990, the Packers would’ve been a 9-7 team make it to the playoffs.

Tony Mandarich had a terrible 1990 season and Green Bay passed on Erik Williams in the 3rd round of the 1991 draft. Erik Williams became one of the key players of those 3 Super Bowl Winning Cowboy teams.

While Tony missed his block, Green Bay had a terrible running game that year that had Michael Haddix as the teams lead rusher. At the time Don suffered the torn rotator cuff, Don was starting regain his 1989 form. The fact is Green Bay lost 3 games later in the season that they would’ve won with Don Majkowski and be 9-7 in the playoffs.

The fact is Green Bay allowed 47 sacks in 1989 and 62 sacks in 1990. Green Bay Should’ve used at least one of their first round picks to draft down in the 2nd round and get guard Keith Sims.

If Green Bay Drafted Derrick Thomas in 1989 with Mandarich, Green Bay didn’t need Tony Bennett. If Green Bay had Thurman Thomas, The Packers had no reason to draft Darrell Thompson. Where The Packers were at, All was available was Eric Green, Defensive Back Ben Smith, and Center Bern Brostek. At the time, I don’t think Green Bay would draft Eric Green since Ed West was a solid tight end and they did draft Jackie Harris in that draft later on. I don’t think Center was a big need and Ben Smith was a disappointment with the eagles. .

What Green Bay could’ve done is trade up or down in the draft for an Offensive lineman. That draft had Richmond Webb and Keith Sims. I think Keith Sims would have been the player and I don’t see Green Bay drafting Aaron Taylor in 1994 as a result.

My conclusion is Green Bay wouldn’t have needed Brett Favre if Don didn’t have suffer that rotator cuff injury and I don’t see Green Bay drafting him in 1991.

Rasputin
on April 22, 2017 at 4:01 pm

Agreed, Andy. While I disagree with packerfan4ver about Sharpe being better than Irvin, I’ve been arguing for years, including on this site, that Sterling Sharpe belongs in the HoF, and that his brother was right (a rarity for the dimwitted Shannon) when he acknowledged that Sterling was the best football player in the family. In my opinion Sterling Sharpe ranks firmly as one of the Big 3 WRs of the 90s, up with Rice and Irvin. Those were the three greatest of the era according to the eyeball test, and they each have their own unique statistical arguments to back it up.

I’ve always been fine with Sayers’ induction but enshrining Terrell Davis was a mistake. The voters basically just said longevity doesn’t matter. It should. But Sharpe played long enough to merit Canton, and now with Davis getting in any excuse for not inducting Sterling has been annihilated. Hopefully it happens while he still has modern era eligibility, because that senior pool is a log jam.

Paul
on May 24, 2017 at 12:32 pm

over month with no new posts or discussion topics, is this site “out of business” now??

Rasputin
on May 24, 2017 at 4:32 pm

I hope not. I like this place. Maybe it’s just an off season lull.

Paul
on May 25, 2017 at 9:38 am

I thought there was no off season in the NFL or PFHOF debates??? LOL

And the fantasy football and team previews are of no interest to me until just before the season starts, as plenty can change before then.

Robert Ewing
on May 25, 2017 at 11:26 pm

so does the seniors comm go offense and defense or both offensive or both defensive

Paul
on May 27, 2017 at 9:35 am

I am thinking both defense as it appears there are more defensive players deserving then offense, so I would go with pre 70s DB and 1970s LB

Hey @Paul & @Rasputin – We’re still around, we just haven’t had any offseason Hall of Fame posts. We do slow down quite a bit in the offseason, but have had some team focused posts, and a couple of Fantasy Football Q&A’s. I’m going to tweak some design things, I think, to try and make that more apparent that we are still here.

BSLO
on May 31, 2017 at 8:55 pm

Tony, will you guys be starting a 2018 Hall of Fame thread soon? There’s been some discussion on here already about the next class, but I don’t think any predictions have been posted yet for the Zoneblitz writers.

Sorry to the Vikings and Jim Marshall, but there are more qualified candidates in the seniors pool, players will multiple all pro and all decade selections. Frankly he is not even in my top ten (nor is Joe Klecko who Peter King recently spoke out in favor of):

First off, thanks to those of you who keep visiting the site. We very much appreciate it. We know there hasn’t been a lot of H.o.F. content the last few months. We’re talking about some ideas, including the annual prediction of the next class. We’re both going through some “real life” “day job” transitions – so we’re a little bit time crunched right now. But we aren’t shut down by any stretch.

Second, re: Jim Marshall — I met him once, early on in my writing days. Great guy. I’m a Vikings fan. I missed out on the Purple People Eaters era, but have studied them closely. I’m a huge Marshall fan. That said, while I would love to see him get in the Hall for personal reasons, I cannot disagree with any of you who say there are more qualified candidates, at least statistically and based on post-season honors.

Given the recent enshrinement of Mick Tingelhoff, I have a hunch it’s going to be a challenge for the Vikings to get another senior candidate in the real near future anyway, despite the push by Bud Grant.

Marshall was a very good-to-great player, but his strongest argument in favor is the games played record and the subjective claim that he was the glue of that defensive unit. He was, overall, pretty clearly the third best player on that defensive line and in 20 years in the league only made two Pro Bowls. That’s in an era of great defensive lines – Pittsburgh, Dallas, Los Angeles Rams, Vikings, etc., but still — it’s probably the reason Jerry Kramer is out and it’s probably enough to keep Marshall out — you can only let so many people in from the same team, especially at the same position.

He’s a GREAT story, but I think he probably gets left out in the end.

Thanks again for continuing to visit and if you have any ideas for subject matter we should consider looking into, feel free to drop me a line: andy@zoneblitz.com

Paul
on June 29, 2017 at 8:39 am

Having posted my top 10 senior candidates, past selection history and my attempts to predict them would suggest none of them will get selected this year! I would be satisfied and support any 2 of those 10, my personal selection would be Howley and Robinson (as they have been for last several years), but guessing since I never get the selections correct, again we will be looking at two others-could be anyone among probably 20-40 candidates with no rhyme or reason to the selections.

Rob
on June 29, 2017 at 1:31 pm

@Paul Could you see Brazile and Pearson getting the nomination? I could see Pearson since he got a lot of attention at the NFL Draft.

Paul
on June 30, 2017 at 8:34 am

@Rob when the selection committee meets in August there will be only 5 members present to review the 15 finalists and select the 2 senior candidates, so it is really hard to predict the decision of only 5 people (and where 3 votes is a majority). Brazile certainly has been mentioned as a candidate in recent years and he meets that “qualification” of an all decade team yet to be a finalist for discussion, his selection would certianly be worthy and not a surprise. As to Pearson he makes the same “qualification” and you never know what it takes to get a candidates name back in the mind and discussion of the voters. He would also certainly fall into the category of someone quickly rising to selection as has been the base with some other recent selections. I do wonder if he faces competition from Cliff Branch as another 70s/80s WR candidate and whether that hurts his chances if some among the 5 committee members favor Branch over Pearson (including during voting of the entire committee for the final 15). But Pearson is certainly deserving of consideration, selection and election.

Robert Ewing
on July 2, 2017 at 4:08 pm

Klecko not worthy in what realm

Paul
on July 3, 2017 at 10:37 am

I never said Klecko was not worthy, just that his 2/4 profile does not place him in my top 10 more worthy

Paul
on July 3, 2017 at 10:44 am

In terms of the one 2018 contributors candidate I am thinking it could be one of: George Young, Bobby Beathard, Pat Bowlen or Robert Kraft. Personally I would prefer GM/Scouts over yet another owner selected, but would not have any issue with any of those. Gil Brandt is also very deserving but I doubt the Committee would go Cowboys back to back selections.

Robert Ewing
on July 8, 2017 at 11:28 pm

ok i can understand your point on klecko paul which d linemen do you favor more im sure we can agree now on the second post i think it could be a gm im thinking either young or beathard

Lots of recent buzz around Pat Bowlen as 2018 contributor nominee (George Young also), would be mild surprise if Bowlen is not the selection. Young, Bobby Beathard, Art McNally and Gil Brandt among other names but more likely for 2019 and beyond. BTW 2019 election is last one in the current rotation of 1-2 between seniors and contributors, PFHOF Board will have to decide whether to keep same approach for 2020 and beyond or modify. Personally starting in 2020 I would keep contributors at 1 per year and add coaches. Keep seniors at 2 a year as I feel although contributors are deserving, there are more candidates in the senior candidates pool who need a chance for election.

Bill
on July 12, 2017 at 1:34 pm

LC Greenwood is long overdue for election. He gets hurt by having so many Steelers from that decade already enshrined.

Bill
on July 12, 2017 at 1:43 pm

I also Feel Sterling Sharpe is a HOFamer but he is not the only WR who should be looked at by either the voters or the senior committee. Cliff Branch, Drew Pearson, Stanley Morgan, and of course Terrell Owens are also HOF worthy. Does anyone know if Todd Christensen is eligible for a senior nominee yet?

Robert Ewing
on July 13, 2017 at 1:42 am

Yes bill Todd Christensen is senior eligible

Bill
on July 13, 2017 at 6:14 am

I like Paul’s list and many of those players should have been inducted into the HOF long ago. I would add Todd Christensen, Houston Antwine, Pete Retzlaf and Andy Russell to that list of players. Chuck Foreman and Jim Marshall would be two players I would think about as well.

Bill
on July 14, 2017 at 6:15 am

Paul, Robert or anyone else- If you had to choose two between Howley, Kramer, J. Robinson and Greenwood (the four biggest omissions in my mind), who would you pick as the nominees.-Bill

Paul
on July 14, 2017 at 8:08 am

Howley and Robinson have been my two for a number of years, but again this year I am not confident that either will get in.

Paul
on July 14, 2017 at 2:12 pm

I think Kramer has a strong case but hard to recommend him as for some reason PFHOF voters are just not interested in electing him (they should) so it ends up making the case for some what of a lost cause, too bad but appears to be the reality.

bachslunch
on July 15, 2017 at 4:16 am

I think the reason Jerry Kramer (5/3/60s) hasn’t got much of a chance at a Senior nomination nowadays is that he has been an unsuccessful finalist nine times now, once as a Senior. My guess is that the nominating committee wants to give other folks who have never been nominated a chance.

As to why Kramer has been passed over, Ken Crippen’s film study website has a clue — film clips suggest he was terrific at pulling, run blocking, and blocking on scream passes, but not so good in pass protection. Still, I think he’s plenty good enough to merit election.

There has been talk of having a Senior nominee for each decade on the 100th anniversary of the NFLs founding in 2020. Perhaps this will be his opportunity, who knows?

bachslunch
on July 15, 2017 at 4:18 am

“Screen passes” not “scream passes”. Darned autocorrect.

Robert Ewing
on July 16, 2017 at 12:13 am

Bill I’d say howley and tie between Robinson and lc

Robert Ewing
on July 16, 2017 at 12:15 am

And Bach’s I do agree on the part about wanting to nominate seniors who haven’t been nominated is true do you have the link about kens film study about kramer

COREY
on July 16, 2017 at 8:37 pm

Sterling Sharpe isn’t necessarily unworthy, though it’s a deep wide receiver pool. I can think of three senior era receivers who should be in. I also have difficulty thinking he’ll leapfrog Moss, Owens and Bruce.

Bill
on July 17, 2017 at 7:17 am

Hopefully Moss, Owens and Bruce all get in, but it would be hard to see Hines Ward, Tory Holt or Reggie Wayne in and not Sharpe. Are the three Senior guys who should be Howton, Pearson and Branch?

Bill
on July 17, 2017 at 7:19 am

How do people feel about Mecklinburg or Jacoby getting into the HOF. They are coming down to their final chances and I would hate to see them cloud up the seniors pool of deserving players. That is what happened with Easly. He should have gone in many years ago and then he wouldn’t have been taking up a valuable slot.

Paul
on July 17, 2017 at 7:53 am

I could see a late push for Jacoby as he was in the final 10 for 2016, but then took a big unfortunate step back in 2017 not advancing out of the final 15. The problem that he faces is the final 15 has three other strong OL candidates in Boselli, Mawae, and Faneca with the very likelihood of split voting among the four OL. May be very hard for him to jump all three, including two in the final 10 in 2017 in Boselli and Mawae.

I think Mecklinburg’s chances as a modern candidate have passed him, he will likely slide into the deep seniors pool.

As to Sharpe, I think his short career (lacking SB, All Decade team, and MVP) really hurts his chances, especially considering the number of other strong WRs on the ballot who will get in in next several years (Moss, Owens etc..) plus strong candidates on the ballot with the qualifications he is missing. I do not see a modern candidate election in his future.

Bill
on July 17, 2017 at 11:57 am

You are probably right Paul…so many deserving candidates and so few spots! How would you rank Atwater, Lynch, D. Woodson and Dawkins? I’m feeling like Woodson’s window is closing as well. I cannot believe Woodson and Atwater are not in. I’m hoping Easly open up the door foe some senior and modern safeties to get in. When Reed and polamalu are eligible, that could really push some of these safeties to the back of the line.

Corey
on July 17, 2017 at 2:39 pm

Mecklenburg, while qualified, is unlikely to be elected until he reaches the Senior pool.

As far as Jacoby, the whole thing feels forced. It’s not an absolute outrage that he has been excluded thus far.

Sharpe was only getting better. Someone like Easley was forced to retire and ended up inducted. I fail to see why Sharpe can’t receive that honor someday.

Paul
on July 17, 2017 at 3:49 pm

Easley was DPOY and all decade team member, but yet it took a period in the seniors pool after his modern candidate term ended to get elected, so there always is a chance for Sharpe some day.

I would rank Dawkins and Lynch first (and they both made final 10 in 2017 so are on path to election). And it will take one of them to get elected to clear the deck for many more safeties (the position PFHOFs have mistreated the most) especially Reed and Polamalu.

bachslunch
on July 17, 2017 at 5:42 pm

I think Karl Mecklenburg (4/6/none) as well as Mike Kenn (3/5/none) have good HoF arguments, but time is running out for both. If memory serves, their last eligible year is the time after this one upcoming. But given that neither has ever been a finalist, am thinking they fall in the Senior pool.

Agreed that it makes little sense to favor Joe Jacoby (3/4/80s) over Mike Kenn, given that they have similar postseason honors and the latter had a longer career.

Darren Woodson actually has a good bit of eligiblity left (until 2028) as does Leroy Butler (until 2026), but they may run out of time. Especially since not enough of the safety backlog will likely have been inducted by then (Dawkins, Lynch, Polamalu, Atwater, Reed). Too bad, as I think they belong in.

Definitely think Sterling Sharpe belongs in.

COREY
on July 17, 2017 at 6:28 pm

Sharpe was also 3/5 and twice was the NFL’s leading receiver.

That said, he really does fall behind Moss, Owens and even Bruce in the modern era. In the Senior pool. give me Howton, Shofner and Branch first.

what would help is for two wrs to be seniors will that happen prob not now then if the vikes want to do a campaign for the player should be ed white or joey browner thoughts?

bachslunch
on July 18, 2017 at 2:51 am

Browner definitely.

Bill
on July 18, 2017 at 6:13 am

If I was looking for the next Viking, it would be Chuck Foreman or Jim Marshall

Paul
on July 18, 2017 at 7:59 am

Personally I would rather see several safeties elected from modern and senior candidate pools before many more WRs. The only senior candidate WRs I would support as priorities would be Branch, Pearson, and among the modern (after Moss and TO) would be Bruce. Sure there are several more deserving WRs in both the modern and senior candidate pools, but with only 5 player slots (plus 1 or 2 senior slots) each year there are also many more deserving and in some cases more deserving (including all decade team members) at many other positions.

Packerfan4ver
on July 18, 2017 at 9:31 pm

I would pick Browner over Ed White.

I think Joey Browner and Deron Cherry are the best players from the all 1980s decade team that isn’t in the Pro Football hall of Fame. I think Joey’s problem is more than being a safety.

Those late 1980s Viking teams did underachieve and I don’t know how Many Vikings from that era the voters want to Induct. That era of Vikings already have 3 players in the hall of fame in Randell McDaniel, Gary Zimmerman, and Chris Doleman.

bill
on July 19, 2017 at 6:07 am

I personally would choose Deron Cherry over Joey Browner but both are not getting in anytime soon. It is so difficult to get in the HOF as a pure safety and those guys are line behind many others.

Paul
on July 19, 2017 at 12:40 pm

Yes first priority for safeties from the senior pool should be the first team all decade team players not yet elected: Cliff Harris (only 1970s all decade team starter on defense not already in PFHOF), Ed Meador, Steve Atwater, and Johnny Robinson (All AFL team member)

Bill
on July 21, 2017 at 8:45 am

How do people feel about some forgotten 80’2 and 90’s lineman. When these players retired, I thought they all had a chance at the HOF. Richmond Webb, Chris Hinton, Bruce Armstrong, Jay hilgenberg, Mike Kenn and Steve Wisniewski. Of course this includes Joe Jacoby but he at least has received some traction over the years.

Corey
on July 21, 2017 at 9:36 am

Browner and Foreman wouldn’t be bad choices, though the most glaring omission from the Vikes in the Senior pool, Tingelhoff, was already corrected.

Out of those offensive linemen, Webb and Wisniewski would get my support for Canton. One who doesn’t get mentioned as much as he should is George Kunz.

Bill
on July 21, 2017 at 12:06 pm

I had forgotten about George Kunz. He was a very good/great offensive lineman. It just goes to show that it can be very difficult to be a HOFamer,

Paul
on July 21, 2017 at 2:46 pm

In terms of OL from all decade team of the 80s only Jim Covert (1st team) , Joe Jacoby and Bill Fralic (both 2nd team) are not in PFHOF, and from 90s Boselli (1st team), and Steve W, R Webb, Mark Step. (all 2nd team) are missing. Jacoby’s recent PFHOF election experience – into final 10 in 2016, back to final 15 in 2017, I think illustrates the challenges. As PFHOF voters start to consider all decade OL from the 2000s (6/10 are in), until rest of those are addressed (Faneca and Mawae, along with Boselli were all in final 10 in 2017), the earlier players will be waiting and very possible some will slide into seniors pool. If we assume Boselli, Faneca and Mawae (plus perhaps Jacoby) are elected in the next 3-4 years, there then should be a period of time before 2010 all decade teams players retire, to get the others at shot.

bachslunch
on July 21, 2017 at 4:15 pm

Add Lomas Brown to the list

COREY
on July 21, 2017 at 8:05 pm

Mawae and Faneca should be in, but nobody else between the 1980s and 2000s really stands out that much to me. Maybe Webb, Wisniewski and Boselli, but other positions have more egregious omissions.

Going to be tough for any of those five to get in as modern candidates, 2018 finalist pool to deep plus likely first years elections of new eligible in 2018 & 2019

Corey
on July 23, 2017 at 9:46 pm

Craig, Mecklenburg and Sharpe would get my support. Kenn and Jacoby fall short.

Bill
on July 24, 2017 at 6:30 am

Roger Craig, Joe Jacoby and Karl Mecklenburg are all huge names from 80’s football. I think Craig looks better all the time because he is the prototype of what teams are currently looking for in today’s running backs. Marcus Allen got in right away but in reality you could argue that Craig was a more productive back than Allen in the years that they played. Also those 49er teams were great and they don’t exactly have a huge representation in the HOF. I could be wrong but I think they only have Montana, Lott, Rice and Fred Dean who joined them late in his career.

Corey
on July 24, 2017 at 10:43 am

Before there was Marshall Faulk, there was Roger Craig. Put him in.

Paul
on July 24, 2017 at 10:57 am

Roger Craig, Joe Jacoby and Karl Mecklenburg may all be deserving but going to be really hard for any of them to push equal or more deserving modern candidates out of the way in next two years. Actually they may have better chance in seniors pool even though that pool is deep and there is a risk falling into it and taking years to get out. Several recent PFHOF selections from the seniors pool were recent modern candidates.

Corey
on July 24, 2017 at 2:36 pm

That’s where I have to disagree with the Senior Committee. While I do think Easley was perfectly qualified for Canton, others have waited longer and are getting up there in age. I hope they can realize that before some others pass away.

Paul
on July 24, 2017 at 3:37 pm

I agree entirely, especially considering their recent focus is to get senior candidates selected who have never been discussed as a finalist before and there are many all decade players from pre 1980 who are now in their 70s and 80s who deserve that chance. I have no problem with Easley as a senior candidate but what about other all decade players like Howley and Robinson, before it is too late for them to experience while alive

Corey
on July 24, 2017 at 9:12 pm

They already did that with Al Wistert. I’d hate for it to happen to others. Jack Butler died less than a year after he gave his induction speech.

Paul
on July 25, 2017 at 12:51 pm

Yea and do not get me started on the recent efforts by the seniors committee to make amends by selecting recently deceased players-instead of getting them in when still alive.

Robert Ewing
on July 25, 2017 at 2:13 pm

Agreed paul

Corey
on July 25, 2017 at 11:12 pm

Not that I think he should be in in the first place, but Ken Stabler’s death was what got the committee to nominate him.

Why Les Richter wasn’t inducted decades prior is a mystery to me.

He and Stanfel both got elected right after their deaths. Why Stanfel got nominated three times and it until his third time, after he passed away, is pretty pathetic.

The committee needs to do better. Period. Depending on who it is, I’m not against posthumous inductees, but it has happened three times this decade and we weren’t too far off from a fourth. That, to me, is unacceptable. The whole voting panel also needs to be more efficient. Claude Humphrey gets nominated twice, Stanfel three times. While I’m not against either being in Canton, them being nominated again was like, “Ugh. Really?” Yet Jerry Kramer was nominated two decades ago and hasn’t been nominated since.

There appear to be logical fallacies all around.

Paul
on July 26, 2017 at 7:58 am

On fundamental problem with the seniors nomination process is that the committee only consists of 9 PFHOF voters (and they change infrequently), and during the actual selection meeting in Canton in Late August only 5 of those participate each year in the final selection(s) (they rotate each year). So very few people, majority of 3, can impact who gets selected.

Bill
on July 26, 2017 at 9:15 am

This one reason why there needs to be two senior nominations every year, and the contributors need to be completely separate. It would have been great to see Easly nominated with a Howley or Kramer. Or this year see one of those two with Kenny Anderson or Lester Hayes.

Corey
on July 26, 2017 at 1:35 pm

My opinion is the Senior situation gets more logistical by the years. Therefore, I am going to lay out some proposals for much needed reform on the committee.

#1 Two players, one contributor per year. I think it’s criminal Bobby Beathard isn’t in Canton and am glad more contributors are getting the recognition they deserve. For every contributor who has been snubbed, you can name many more players who have been snubbed. The Senior Committee ought to help correct oversights, not help prolong them.

#2 To prevent a precedent of Stanfel and Stabler, I am proposing any deceased player nominated must be deceased for at least one year before being nominated. Not only will this focus on living players, but also those who have been deceased longer. If, forbid, a player in the Senior pool died tomorrow, why should his death move him to the front of the line when he would’ve been like everybody else if he didn’t die? You could even argue nominating Stabler and Stanfel after they passed away was a slap in the face to them and their families.

#3 I propose having one nominee being a pre-merger nominee and the other being a post-merger nominee. This can help correct older snubs since they don’t have to compete with newer seniors. It’s players competing against others from certain eras, not all eras. How do you look at Easley and say he was worthy of leapfrogging Robinson, Meador, Dillon and Patton? This way, Easley could have gotten his overdue honor will someone like Bobby Dillon could have also.

Now, what if someone played both before and after the merger? Johnny Robinson, Dick Schafrath and Maxie Baughan would be pre-merger players as most of their careers took place before the merger. Harold Jackson, George Kunz and Tommy Nobis would be post-merger candidates since most of their careers happened after the merge.

Too many snubs, not enough slots. Change and change for the better must happen.

Paul
on July 26, 2017 at 2:19 pm

I would add #4 The seniors committee should consist of ten members of the PFHOF selection committee, each member serving on alternating 2 year terms with five members rotating on/off each year, and all ten members vote on the selection of the finalists (via in place meeting or mail in ballot).

Corey
on July 26, 2017 at 2:24 pm

I absolutely think everybody on that committee should have their say.

Bill
on July 27, 2017 at 11:37 am

I like Corey’s ideas about how the committee should proceed in the future. Although #2 may be a tough one to enforce (mostly because who like to make rules concerning people who have passed on.)

Corey
on July 27, 2017 at 11:55 am

It’s not an ideal rule to make, but one I feel is necessary because it shouldn’t take someone’s death (Richter, Stanfel, Stabler) to get them nominated immediately. What are the chances any of them would be in Canton if they were still alive? Not to mention Patton has been gone for decades and deserves another look.

Bill
on July 28, 2017 at 11:32 am

When Do Senior Nominees get released?

Paul
on July 28, 2017 at 3:20 pm

If schedule follows last year, should be third Monday in August (21st), with contributors named the next day (Aug 22nd)

Corey
on August 1, 2017 at 10:32 am

Well, we’ll know later this month. I can’t say I am optimistic because the committee has really been hit or miss on the 2010s.

Bill
on August 2, 2017 at 2:48 pm

This is the year they get it right with both selections…I feel it!

Corey
on August 2, 2017 at 6:44 pm

Here’s how I would grade the Senior selections in the 2010s.

Chris Hanburger – A+ – A man with a 4/9 profile should have been elected on his first ballot. There’s no doubt in my mind he is one of the greatest linebackers of all time and often gets neglected in the discussion.

Les Richter – A – 1/8 and the first of a few to get nominated following his death.

Jack Butler – B – Apart from his contributions with BLESTO, as a player was a 3/4 with a selection to the 1950s All Decade Team. Many DBs still continue to get overlooked in the seniors pool. I’m glad Butler got to see his day before his unfortunate passing.

Dick Stanfel – B – A 5/5/1950s All Decade profile is good enough for me, especially in a seven-year span, and there was previous precedent with inductees having short careers.

Curly Culp – C- – With a 1/6 profile and no other accolades, I can’t help but think so many others were more deserving, including three of his former Chiefs teammates in Robinson, Budde and Taylor.

Dave Robinson – F – Made an All Decade Team that should’ve gone to Maxie Baughan. He had a 1/3 profile. He’s well behind Baughan, Chuck Howley, Randy Gradishar and Robert Brazile. He’s also even behind Tommy Nobis, Mike Curtis, Lee Roy Jordan, Joe Fortunato, Larry Grantham and Mike Stratton, Isiah Robertson and Matt Blair. Not all of these linebackers would get my support, but all of them have a better case for Canton than Dave Robinson, in my opinion.

Claude Humphrey – B- – I’m glad they got it over and done with from five years before. I would’ve put others in before Humphrey, but I have no real beef with him. He had a 2/6, a Rookie of the Year and was a fantastic pass rusher before sacks became a statistic.

Ray Guy – A+ – Arguably the greatest punter in NFL history, this took guts. I support special teamers in Canton. Guy was a 3/7 profile with an All Decade Team and the 75th Anniversary Team. He was a revolutionary, a pioneer, and I’m glad the people in the room voted yes.

Mick Tingelhoff – A+ – Willie Davis was surprised that Tingelhoff was nominated. Davis thought Tingelhoff was already in. He never missed a practice or a game, be it preseason, regular season or playoffs. He was a 5/6 profile who should’ve been elected in the 1980s, just like Hanburger should have.

Ken Stabler – F – Ken Stabler does not belong in the Hall of Fame. He threw more interceptions than touchdowns, had an underwhelming profile and only got nominated due to sympathy for his passing.

Dick Stanfel – F – Not because of Stanfel, but because he got nominated immediately after his passing, just like Stabler. Of course they put him in on the third try when he apparently wasn’t worthy of honor his first two nominations when he was alive. What a disgrace.

Kenny Easley – B – With a 3/5 profile, All Decade and DPOY, Easley is very much worthy of Canton. One can only wonder how much more legendary he would be had he not been forced to retire. The reason this gets a B is because I personally would rather have seen others get nominated first.

Packerfan4ver
on August 2, 2017 at 8:53 pm

Corey,

Curley Culp had more accolades than you mentioned. Curley Culp was named NFL defensive player of the year in 1975.

PAckerfan4ver
on August 2, 2017 at 10:05 pm

Here is my grades on the Senior Committee Selections in this decade:

Chris Hanburger – A+- The fact he wasn’t voted before being a Senior Committee selection is disturbing. While he didn’t he have an all decade team, or a Super bowl Rings, He has everything else you want for a resume as a player.

Les Richter – A -The resume is strong enough.

Jack Butler – B+- Jack had the 2nd most interceptions in league history at the time he retired. He had the first team all pro teams, and made it to the all decade team of the 1950s. I think he was a victim of two things. The first thing is the Steelers weren’t exactly a great franchise before the 1970s. The 2nd thing the voters 8 seasons isn’t always enough into the Hall of Famer before they become eligible for the senior committee.

Dick Stanfel – B -Dick’s career is very short, but having 5 first team all pro’s and 5 pro bowls to top it off making the all 1950s all decade team makes this a great pick. My problem is this was the 2nd of his 3 tries getting in. This is where the voters didn’t do their job.

Curley Culp- C+-He does have a Defensive player of the year award and this a big deal for this resume, but he’s not the best chief the senior committee can select at the time.

Dave Robinson – F- I think there is politics with this selection because he was on the Board of Directors for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. I can name a bunch linebackers better than him. I thought Jerry Kramer, Gale Gillingham, Bobby Dillon. and Verne Lewellen would’ve been better Green Bay Packer selections by the senior committee.

Claude Humphrey- b- – I have no problems with Claude himself, but I have problems with the voters. My problem was the voters selected him prior, but it took him a 2nd time to get in. I don’t understand this because Claude didn’t get better. The fact Claude needed a 2nd time actually hurt other senior candidates by having a second chance with the voters.

Ray Guy- A+- I love this selection. Not a lot of special team players get inducted and Guy is one of the greatest punters ever. The truth is voters have a bias against special team players.

Mick Tingelhoff – A – I know Centers have a hard time to get inducted. I have no problems with Mick because he was a great center in his era.

Ken Stabler – D – I ignored Kenny’s touchdown ratio because Kenny already 34 years when he was traded to the Oilers. I thought what he did in the 1980s hurt his resume. He was a great 1970s QB that his prime was from 1973 to 1979. The problem with him is besides having a long career with a short prime is the voters. My problem with voters is take a look at Peter King. Peter King based Kenny when he was alive, but suddenly stopped bashing him after he died and supporting his induction to the Hall of Fame. What Peter King and the other voters did was disgusting.

Dick Stenfel – F- the voters were being disgusting at this point with him. Stenfel was selected by the senior committee two times already before this him getting inducted on a third try. Stenfel should’ve inducted before he died and was selected 2 times before his death. Voters not voting for him before died actually prevented other great players that the senior committee could pick.

Kenny Easley – B+ – I love this selection. Great player with a short career and cut down the jam at the safety position. He isn’t the first Safety I would pick though. I would’ve picked Eddie Meador and Cliff Harris before him.

Paul
on August 3, 2017 at 2:38 pm

Brazile and Kelcko would be my guesses, not my preferred choices but what the committee may do

Corey
on August 3, 2017 at 5:01 pm

Brazile would be one the better choices in recent years. I’m not sure about Klecko.

packerfan4ver
on August 3, 2017 at 8:19 pm

Joe Klecko is an interesting case. Joe making the pro bowl in 3 different positions in his career was a great accomplishment. Not all of Joe’s sack totals are official such as his 20.5 sacks in 1981. He was named the NFL player of the year in 1981.

Brazile would be a great choice from a linebacker standpoint.

Robert Ewing
on August 3, 2017 at 9:52 pm

packerfan 4 ever your grades are spot on better choice in 2013 would have been brazile or howley than robinson also 2012 would have been a great year to get stanfel in so we could get another senior in 2016 like johnny robinson

Corey
on August 3, 2017 at 10:29 pm

I’m going to break this down into different tier grades for the senior pool. This obviously does not cover everyone, but who come to mind.

I would the following seniors in the A+ grade, those whom I feel are the most egregious omissions from Canton:

This senior would get an F rating from me, and I would find him to be even worse choice than Ken Stabler was:

Jim Plunkett

brad
on August 3, 2017 at 10:34 pm

As a Jets fan I hope Klecko makes the HOF. Like packer fan said, pro bowled in 3 different positions. And Anthony Munoz, who many consider the best O -lineman ever, has given him high praise. The NYJ are a bit underrepresented. Other Jets who deserve enshrinement are: Larry Grantham, Winston Hill, Mark Gastineau, and Art Powell(but would probably go in as a Raider). Marvin Powell would be in my top 10 for sure, but short career will prevent enshrinement. Jets will also have more players who have played for them get inducted in the future which I’m excited about: Darrelle Revis, Kevin Mawae, Alan Faneca, Ed Reed, and Nick Mangold(even if he never plays again he should get in. Seems like a lock for 2010’s All Decade Team). It seemed as though Jets had a player who played for them go in once every 8-10 years. Now it’s picking up.

As for 2018 class, if Zach Thomas doesn’t make the semi finalist, does that mean he is destined for Senior Nominee? I don’t think so, but just want to hear other peoples opinion on it. Also, what do people think about Joe Jacoby, Steve Atwater, and Don Coryell’s chances for enshrinement before they are off the ballot? I hope all 3 get in before their eligibility runs up. Placing them in the pool of Senior Nominees will ruin their chances big time. Too many not in. I think one gets in and it’s probably Atwater but safety position is strong ( Dawkins and Lynch) and will be stronger once Ed Reed and Troy Polamalu are on the ballot.

Robert Ewing
on August 3, 2017 at 11:02 pm

corey like the list but few cosmetic changes the ones you dont like are in my a to a- ranger but on plunkett we agree

Boknows34
on August 4, 2017 at 12:40 am

Elliot Harrison at NFL.com is currently choosing his next 5 Hall of Fame Classes. He’s already picked 2018-21, with only 2022 to follow.

I’m already wavering on my Lynch pick, but not sure who I would put in his place–not sure i agree with Andy’s Faneca pick in his place, but maybe Urlacher could jump if they decide to do a 2 LB class? Or Randy Moss could surprise, although I just don’t see them voting in two WR–especially two WR that had issues…

Packerfan4ver
on August 4, 2017 at 5:16 pm

I don’t like Steve Atwater’s chances before the Senior Committee. The problem is Brian Dawkins, John Lynch, Ed Reed, and Troy Polamalu are going to get in before Steve. I mentioned John Lynch, because for some reason the voters have been voting him closer to the hall than Steve Atwater despite the two players being very similar.

I don’t like Don Coryell’s chances at all. The problem is his record and not winning a Super bowl makes voters overlooked what he did offensively. I thought Don Coryell and Bill Walsh changed how teams handle offense.

I’m 50/50 on Joe Jacoby.

I really don’t understand the handling of Zach Thomas. He’s being overlooked because the Dolphins never went to Super Bowl and Jason Taylor also was a star player on the team